Problem with Flex pipe and Check engine light

[dipesh]

Now after check engine light on, there have also been a new problem in flex pipe. My car sounds loud when i accelerate! Some friends at this forum insisted my the cause was flex pipe and I took it to a local mechanic and he told that it wsa due to flex pipe too. Changing a flex pipe is really expensive as I am investing lot of money of my education and I am having hard time budgeting for my car.

At this point, I am wondering is there anyway I can fix the flex pipe or do I have to add on new flex pipe in my car. I checked on ebay and the cost was way too much.

Also, I checked my car from autozone about the engine light. They told me it was due to 0xygen sensor, or electrical connection or due to problem in engine that the light is ON.

I think being a student its tough to maintain the expenses; Is there anyother way I can fix either or these problems? I think flex pipe problem is most crucial; But just give me some recommendation that I can use to solve both problem or atleast one.

Dipesh

[JohnGD]

You should be able to get an aftermarket flex pipe welded for $50-100.

A couple of same searches show:
Wich flex pipe should i use?
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/ar.../t-130516.html

[fenixus]

the flex pipe piece (flexible exhaust connector) itself is not very expensive, probably around $30-40 from local autozone.
labor on welding it in maybe be another $50-90 depending on area.

I paid like $140 total (including part) to a local shop in my area (services in NJ are damn expensive) for a flex pipe replacement on wife's 5s-fe.

[dave1811]

Had my flex pipe replaced on my 99 for around $100 by a local muffler shop here in Oklahoma. I saw the part was around $25 or so at Advanced Auto so I guess the small muffler shop charged me around $75 in labor to do the job.

[Nortonguy]

My 2000 2.2L Camry was loud and the engine light was on. Flex pipe was shot. I bought the entire new pipe with catalytic converter and stainless steel hardware to install it with. Also bought a new downstream O2 sensor and put that in. Car now runs quiet and engine light is out.

But this fix was $500.......ouch. After the fact I did see just the flex connector itself for sale separately, which could be clamped or welded in place by someone with a mig welder. Surely a much cheaper way to go than I went, oh well....